Untold Bassmaster Split Stories (The Bilge Podcast)

Mark Zona, TV Show Host, joins Chris Zaldain and Trait Zaldain on The Bilge Podcast presented by Battle Born Batteries to discuss the Bassmaster-MLF Split Story from his experience.
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[@CrankCaveBaits]

Zona is hands down my favorite personality in the industry. Dude pulls no punches and is as honest as they come. Chris and Trait, phenomenal podcast!!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Same here. He’s one to look up to!

[@CrankCaveBaits]

@@ZaldaingerousI’m watching this for the third time now. I would love to hear more stories about the split. More people need to know how nasty that split really was. There are a few guys I’d love to see come back to BASS and a bunch I’d love to see file bankruptcy 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jamesmurphy1040]

Zona is a straight shooter!

[@IRON49ER1]

Hands down the best... It was so great to sit and just talk fishing with Mark when he was at bass Pro in Gurnee Illinois last year.

[@jessewiggins6950]

Love this. My name was mentioned in this so I thought I’d comment…I have always respected the opinion of the guys that turned down the invite, IMO they are the only ones that can even speak on this stuff…as far as begging people to stay/leave. I didn’t beg anyone for anything. I didn’t experience any of that. In my situation the only calls I received was from people at BASS, (that I had never spoke to previously asking me if I were going to stay, ) And I didn’t even get asked initially. I went to MLF because I grew up watching all the big names and I wanted to fish against them, and we weren’t going to have entry fees. That’s the only reasons I left, I was young into my career and money was a driving factor without a doubt. I’ve always said that…I love putting fish in livewells. Lol….as a fan, I’ve never understand why fans want to hate one or the other, hell it’s more fishing to watch. Who cares where one guy wants to fish, do what makes you happy. Love y’all’s stuff, keep it up. 👍🏽

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽

[@mtayloroutdoors]

Agreed, as a fan it’s great having options and more content to enjoy. Don’t have to love it all to appreciate it.

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

Had relatives in the cattle business in La. Know it can be tough. Hope both sides of the fence works out for you.

[@davejones7202]

I watch both, enjoy both but find the behind the scene personality conflicts disheartening.

[@Tackletuesdayfishing]

I’m so glad to finally get some raw insider on “the split” . This podcast is absolutely necessary in the fishing industry. I love the emotion and unfiltered content.

[@jimmyrogers1490]

Awesome !! I am 59 years old and became a member of B.A.S.S. when I was 12, then in 1985 became a Lifetime Member ! B.A.S.S. is in my blood ! We lived in the "country" in north Texas and didn't have cable tv back when TNN was airing The Bassmasters. My Grandmother lived in town and would record the shows on VHS and I would pick up the tape on Sunday afternoon after it aired. Many heroes in that sport from way back in the day are still active ! Clunn, Nixon, Fritts, etc. Just like the NFL (as Zona mentioned) B.A.S.S. will never be replaced by some "new" concept in tournament fishing. Ray Scott and Dewey Kendrick set the bar high and that's where it's staying ! Glad you guys hung tight and stayed the course !

[@jason21nl]

This podcast with Zona might be the best podcast I’ve ever watched. It was that good. I didn’t want it to end. The brutal honesty from everyone is so refreshing. Thank you.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Zona isn’t afraid to be real and that makes for a genuine conversation. Glad you enjoyed it 👊🏽

[@f5outdoors956]

I literally just became a bigger Zaldain fan! I didn't know so much passion and heartache came with your decision to stay with BASS. God bless you and thanks for sharing this!

[@TheZamboon]

Dude! You definitely created the best fishing podcast that'll ever exist

[@Zaldaingerous]

Appreciate that bro thank you

[@curtismelvin2547]

No matter the guest, Trait is this podcast! The questions she brings out are what us as bass geeks want to know. Real journalism style topics that get to the point. Keep it up Trait!

[@SBFishing]

Such a great show. Always been a huge fan of Zona, this just solidifies it. Class act.

[@ericsmith9965]

You get the guys who stayed with bass or even left and came back around a campfire and reflect on everything about the split would be one of the most watched videos in pro fishing.

[@fishingwithdom1657]

Bass fishing needed this show. Excellent job, Zaldains and Zona 👏🏼 much respect.

[@shanehamilton6708]

I wish someone would write a book about the split. Get angler’s from both sides of course. I’m so glad Zona, Chris and the others stayed. I’m sure there’s still some animosity on both sides but I hope one day all the stories come out. I didn’t realize just how many of the anglers had a decision to make about leaving and how it apparently caused so much friction between longtime friends. This is a good story, and needs to be told. Thank you Zaldangerous

[@munn3y440]

great episode. I want more of these untold stories about the split and what you guys and other anglers thought and felt during that scary time in the industry

[@Zaldaingerous]

We love to talk about it!

[@kevingonyea]

Please have Seth Fielder on to talk about the split, that will be a good one!

[@billljones979]

It would but Chris might not want that heat lol

[@kevingonyea]

@@billljones979 You may be right, but people selling out to corporations, is how the country has gotten itself into the trouble we are in.

[@dustinwalker8152]

Or any of the guys that left and then came back.

[@paulgsmith9874]

Seth for sure!!!!

[@nawinchester]

Z is absolutely the best. I could listen to him talk on any topic. Honest. Straightforward. Sincere. Knowledgeable. Solid values. Family man. Just an all around good dude.

[@20bowhnter]

This show is always a must watch for me. Absolutely love the quality and Trait asking the tough questions! Zona for the win!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

😊

[@fish4kbcf]

More of these split stories. This was the best podcast you guys have done and one of the best I’ve ever listened to. Super open and no punches pulled.

[@mattcrawford3254]

Absolutely love this episode and you guys for putting it out there. Wish I had found it earlier

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikeswearngin9681]

Damn… your podcasts just get better and better.. Trait always asks the best questions.. your guys podcast is my favorite fishing podcast. Keep them coming

[@smokyoakbbqco2385]

This was one of the best podcasts I’ve seen/listened to! You guys are great conversationalists! I’m gonna watch all of your previous podcasts , I subscribed, liked, and won’t miss another in the future! I saw Zaldaingerous on Scott Martin’s podcast and enjoyed that one as well! I love Trait’s brutal honestly, nothing like a good woman that stands her ground! Thanks to both of you for great content!

[@hotfootproductions9783]

What a show!! Well done Z and Zaldains!

[@iluvjenni20]

Having only watched professional fishing since 2020, I didn't know about the split. Love the raw unfiltered conversation about the split. Thank you Trait for being raw and unfiltered, love it. Keep it coming DON'T STOP.

[@CalebHorton]

Same here. I guess it was the buzz around the split is what drew me in and got me to follow professional bass fishing. To be honest, I had never heard of Zaldain, Wheeler, Polnick, Christi... all the big names until I started following b/c of MLF. That's when I started following both leagues. Had no idea there was a controversial split to begin with.

[@hockeyguy3417]

Definitely one of my favorite episodes! Top 3 for sure! Love seeing & hearing these kinds of stories. I'm a Lifetime member of B.A.S.S. and always appreciated you guys for standing up for the organization. I also love that you guys get it that it's about the sport as well. Personally as a fan of bass fishing I really appreciated the MLF guys that showed up at The Classic to meet fans because those guys "get it". Thank you for helping grow our sport in a positive way and keep up your great work!

[@RayWhite-k6b]

THIS WAS THE BEST BILGE YOU'VE GUYS HAVE HAD. LOTS of inside behind the scenes info about the split we've been wanting to know! BASS hats off to this. I've always been BASS and always will be! The other organization just don't have IT!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@culliganman578]

If you’re a die hard BASS fan this is the best thing podcast episode ever. But for us fans we don’t know all the behind the scene stories. Lol so please drop names and more stories we don’t know about.

[@danielstowell8871]

Never commented on a KZbin video before and watch them ten hours a day at work 5 days a week but out of 1000s of hours watching videos this is hands down one of the most eye opening and honest clips I’ve ever seen and I liked you guys before but mad respect and huge fan after hearing this good work and keep it up

[@jmelvin901]

Enjoyed every minute of this...have always respected all of those who stayed with BASS and those who earned their way back. Hopefully the one with KVD will include this level of transparency. Well done.....We need more of this.

[@blakeraider5312]

What a great insight into both the MLF and BASS. Amazing podcast!

[@bamadondon0495]

18:52 man I've NEVER heard Zona get like that... One of the most uplifting, grounded, honest, humble, FUNNIEST people I've had the pleasure of watching most of my life.. I've never even seen a sliver of something like this from that man!!!! 😮😢

[@Zaldaingerous]

❤❤❤

[@ryanhartman9876]

Best part is, he's not like this for the cameras, he's like this period. Realest dude I've ever interacted with in the Fishing Industry

[@bamadondon0495]

@@ryanhartman9876 100%

[@hoopsheavenpa]

Wish the split never happened. I have favorite anglers on both sides. MLF doesn’t have the awesome team of Sanders, Zona, and Hite. Shocked MLF is still a thing. It seems there is no one at their trophy presentations. You can’t hear a crowd and there’s probably a reason they never show a crowd on championship day for their tour stages.

[@bamadondon0495]

@@hoopsheavenpa I couldn't agree with you more!!! It's funny how something like money always finds a way to divide and screw up a good thing! Instead of using all that money to be greedy and divide up something so classic and impactful as what it once was, and maybe probably pay the anglers to come to work instead of having them pay to clock in.. and then never this mission of a split and this MLF thing.. could you imagine what that would have done for BASS!!?? I guess we'll never know.. but I couldn't agree with you more!

[@BillJacksonDesign]

I laughed, I cried, I loved it! Best Podcast EVER. The level of honesty shared is refreshing in a time when you question everything you see and hear.

[@jlbjfishing]

Way to go Trait BASS nation has your back We need more Traits and transparency

[@bigbassbum]

These are getting better and better. Keep it coming

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

I would love to see some episodes with the pro anglers I grew up loving like Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, etc... you know , the Golden era of bass fishing!

[@TheMuffinMan89]

Great episode once again. Your honest and BS free takes are exactly why we keep coming back! Get Zona back in ASAP! That man's heart is as big as his mouth! He's made a huge impact on me following the sport. Really enjoyed listening to the recent history of the pro circuit too!

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

I also love the pitbull attitude Trait has, and hows Chris's eyes get big when shes asking the hard questions 😂

[@Bbestfishing]

The more episodes you do, the better you guys get! Can’t wait for KVD! Keep up the great work 🔥🔥

[@jeffriggle4127]

Absolutely awesome show! Gets to the point it doesn’t sugarcoat anything ! I love hearing the back stories. Would be cool if you can get some of the other anglers on there that actually left and then came back to bass ! Keep rolling y’all!

[@IC_Bass]

Maybe get some MLF guys pn here? Why not Dustin since you have the same sponsors?

[@colechantler1016]

This is the best podcast going period! Giving the people what they really want to hear and not holding back! 10/10 would recommend getting Zona to come back on again soon!

[@pacebozeman]

How am i just now finding this channel? Haven't even watched 3 min and already subscribed. Z and Zona......has to be gold.😊

[@alford79]

Zona...I met you in Philadelphia when Ike won and thank you for spending a few minutes with me and taking a picture. Best life advice out there.

[@hmgtechnics]

Wow... this was deep and heartfelt. Great interview and show today guys!!

[@JamesS7fan]

Chris and Trait this is cool. But why the hate for wheeler? Man the dude is smart and is in his own zone. I'm new to listening to the split. I like both tours.

[@TheOuterRealmWithJoe]

For all the trait haters out there, right at the 1 hr mark, Zona summarized Trait’s passion so simple and it was passed over so fast. She wears her passion. This should be a mandatory watch for young anglers to help them understand why it’s important become an advocate for the sport

[@Shawn_Lai]

Lol you saw Sheff self report his fish touch today when the Marshall said it was a slight touch 😂 I was like yep he done learned himself something.

[@robertjacobsfishing]

One of the best Bilge podcasts ever. Love Z and love you guys for your honesty! We are part of B.A.S.S. here in South Africa and it was difficult to witness things from this side of the Atlantic. It even caused ripples and affected our fishing on this side too!

[@brote2]

I have attended both the classic and redcrest and nothing beats the atmosphere of the classic. I got hooked about 5 years ago, watched both and watching the stories develop in the elites with new guys and guys returning is great. From just watching it seems like the elite guys are tighter bunch together. Thank yall for be true to yalls ethics,bigger fan for it.

[@zoommaster7253]

This was great. Please keep ‘em coming

[@saltysailor141]

Another hr Chris and Trait! 👍

[@WaconiaBassFishingGuy]

Love the transparency, this is how bass fishing moves forward and gains non-fishing sponsorship - real GOOD PEOPLE talking facts

[@WaconiaBassFishingGuy]

Patrick Bartley MN bass fan

[@Zaldaingerous]

@@AzAngler77would love to hear the other side’s take on these topics, wouldn’t you?

[@Zaldaingerous]

🤘🏽

[@YankeeDoodle2]

​@Venandii77 Prove it then no balls 😂

[@YankeeDoodle2]

​@Venandii77 Besides that other brand is trash and overpriced

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

Can anyone tell me how many Elite anglers will be cut after this season? Is there a minimum of years before getting cut and is it by ranking over that time period?

[@bobnokley]

Dang this is so good, I remember you saying no thanks I worked my ass off making hit here. Then to know Zona's back story is great. Thanks for staying. You guys did a heck of a professional job when everything was changing.

[@nicholasporter4682]

I could listen to Zona speak anytime. What a great human being! man. Zona is the type friend you want.

[@chundle09]

Hahaha Zone’s hackney impersonation was too good 😂

[@Striddefishing78]

Absolutely loved this, I love watching Mark's show, he's real all the time which I love ! enjoyed this podcast...keep it up!

[@brandonbrightfishing7477]

Huge respect for just speaking just straight truth everybody

[@slimquinn5692]

Chris you are doing a great job giving the GP a look into the world of pro bass fishing. Keep up the good work.

[@johndoran7331]

Best conversation ever

[@theregoesone3225]

I met Clunn at the classic a few years back. I was with another military buddy, he asked me what I did in the military, (started as a cook)....I told him this....boy if looks could make you feel like a POS, and they can, that's the look and vibe I got from him. My buddy told him what he did, something in communications....and Rick engaged with him a bit. Said nothing to me. To the point of Rick being brutally honest. Will never forget that.

[@Budget_bassin]

Love that you all stayed. I very much so like BASS more.

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

Maybe the best podcast Ive watched! Love Zona and his honesty!

[@treylee7623]

Just curious of why y’all are hating on Jacob?? I truly enjoy watching everyone on this podcast… but. Have ANY of y’all ever been number 1 in the world?? Have any of y’all ever been in the top 5 or 10?? It’s not a good look when y’all hate on a fellow angler.. sounds like there is a little bit of jealousy. Is there? Anyways I truly enjoy this channel and I’m NOT try to belittle anyone. I am a fan of all of y’all! Thanks for the content.

[@TBassFactory]

I can’t wait to meet that guy. Is a is a cool dude. It’s good to hear about the split that turmoil definitely turned me off to tourney fishing for awhile. Thanks Zal!

[@stcpuck]

If you guys can get KVD to be half as candid as Z was, it will be a must watch episode, like this one was. Let's go BASS!!

[@barrybarkley1316]

I love you guys speaking the truth, it is much needed in this world today.

[@nancyzipperer8819]

I think Trait is just great. Definitely a gem!

[@Zaldaingerous]

🤠

[@areddfishing7473]

Sooo we gonna get skeet on this👀 let’s just put it all out there

[@rickmoore2854]

Chris, Trait, Zona…awesome podcast, raw, honest and needed. Thanks!

[@gregshelton4487]

Awesome podcast!! Trait dm details about JW conflict. I’m a bass fishing fanatic! I love both BASS and MLF!! Can’t wait for KVD Bilge 🎣🎣🎣

[@leviwiget8848]

One of the best podcast in a long time.

[@swiberk]

What tournaments the Wheeler polygraph rumors came from? Other than Sabine?

[@bradeevans]

Is there a popular forum, blog, substack, news site, youtube channel, or anything else to keep up with behind the scenes things in tournament fishing? I love these podcasts, but so much of the time I don't know what the hell they're talking about and I can't find any intel with a quick Google search. What is Trait talking about with Wheeler? What was going on at Cayuga? I love the conversation, but it's frustrating to not know all of the background and be forced to guess or assume.

[@seanyB223]

Mark Zona is definitely a class act! This was an incredible podcast for sure!! @zaldaingerous keep it up!

[@Seth-Lafollette]

Best podcast out there.. Zona is the real deal and the best to ever cover the sport!

[@mathewsarrowslinger2787]

I am glad ya all did this podcast though. Good to hear the perspective. I’ve watched both BASS and MLF coverage this week. They both have coexisted just fine.

[@Zaldaingerous]

🤝

[@dustylepere99]

This was by far the best episode

[@ludsteinbasser]

By far one of the best podcasts you guys have done.. great info and gossip 😂😂😂

[@brucehoffman7063]

Wow! I’m impressed! It’s good to see another side of Zona. I couldn’t stand him til this podcast, know I find myself liking the dude! How did he do that? I’m proud of him standing up for what’s right! That’s rare in professional fishing. I’m 69 yrs old and fished in FLW and bass as a co-angler, now that I’m handicap and made it to state tournament in bass last year in Tennessee and my boater kept me in the middle of the lake all day so the co-angle in his club would win. And he said that and I told the official did do anything about it. I’m quit bass and never fishing co-angler again. Need Zona to address what there doing to coAnglers. In bass! Keep the faith Trait and Chris. 👍🥸🙏

[@keithpinkerton2933]

Had to go back and watch this one again. Your podcast is the best and Love you got KVD on. Hope you can get a few more MLF guys to come on as well

[@bitenbass]

This podcast was awesome guys love the tall on the split talk ..glad u guys stayed at bass!!! Syillmdont care for mlf...! Can't believe skeet was yelling at you Chris that's nuts

[@DannyBFishing]

Great pod yall! I could watch Z all day long! Can't wait for KVD

[@erniebrightfishing]

Cannot wait to see Kevin's interview on the bilge. And yes he cries. He is human I seen it myself this morning before his last tournament. He is a legend but also humble.

[@user-pp3gi3xt8r]

Trait is straight to the point and I'm here for it

[@bamadondon0495]

34:47 TRAIT THROWING🔥🔥 STRAIGHT DOWN THE DAMN MIDDLE!!!!😂🤣😎😎😎.. she calls it like it is bud, Balls and Strikes!! BALLS AND STRIKES!!!, 💪👌✌️

[@Zaldaingerous]

Yes!!

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

When I look at the length of the video, I think will it hold my interest for that long? When it ends, I 'm thinking, damn it's over. I want more.

[@Eric.C78]

You guys have a great show going on. In my opinion this was the best one yet. Gonna be hard to top this one. Keep up the great work.

[@20bowhnter]

Line of the show! “If he would pass a few more polys!”

[@BBrown-yn9qp]

This was so awesome. Thank you guys. I'm a huge fan of Z and a huge fan of all of your videos.

[@BOQBassin]

Finally....... The Bilge podcast has come back to youtube!!! What a great episode.

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@BOQBassin]

@@Zaldaingerous What do you do with a hour and a half on boxing day while waiting for the World Jr Hockey tournament to start??? You listen to one of the best podcasts of 2023 of course🤟

[@teachwithtechtminc.1751]

A great interview with Zona! Very entertaining. Lots of great stories and behind the scenes insight.

[@basseditorfishing]

Much respect to all three of you. Great discussion.

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽

[@ShaneJMcNair]

When I say these can't get any better, they do... And, about the topic on the split, Folkuke says it best "Shit Makes The Flowers Grow" B.A.S.S. and the ones staying true to the Brand have made the sport better. From the fans to the anglers and everyone in between, behind the scenes, or in the spotlight. We stop making mistakes and stop growing when we stop breathing... Godspeed 🍺🎣

[@brianabercrombie6999]

My god the greatest show ever! Zona hands down is the greatest dude ever!!!!!!!

[@bobbycolson1957]

Thanks for the insight then and now...Trait is a piece of work....

[@chadthomas1564]

I love how real this is.

[@markhausner5853]

Will y’all please breakdown the events with wheeler and the mlf more in-depth I had no idea what yall were talking about. I’m still trying to google and figure out what was going on.

[@kevingonyea]

Excellent show, Glad to hear Zona has the same feelings about the split I do. Keep asking the questions us fan want answers to Trait. You talked about the anglers feelings about Vandam compared to Wheeler, I don't think Ray Scott would have allowed that stuff to happen at least publicly.

[@Three-13]

Another great Bilge Podcast, Chris! I love Zona!

[@jobrandofishing]

Exactly, if your title is a Professional Angler. Then act like it. Respect the sport of fishing and its entirety. Regardless of what others say or think do what is right. Tight Lines & Be Safe Yall !!! 👊

[@WalleyeGuyMN]

Awesome cast. Miss Zona on the BASS stream this year.

[@Zaldaingerous]

He was there for the first tournament @ Toledo Bend

[@mattfast7006]

What a fantastic episode!!